It’s time to do work.

The Detroit Red Wings aren’t big players in this year’s trade deadline. They aren’t contenders, and they just got bumped out of a Wild Card position after Tuesday night’s loss.

The Red Wings are still rebuilding, but they appear closer than ever to closing that chapter of their story. To expedite the process, they need to acquire more young players who can have a big impact.

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

To do so, they will need to give up assets. Right now, they have many prospects and draft picks they could use to acquire these impactful players.

However, some of their prospects should remain with the team because they are better suited to be part of the solution instead of being an asset used to acquire another player.

These are the three prospects that the Red Wings need to make sure they don’t lose in any trades.

The 19-year-old Axel Sandin-Pellikka is having a great season in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). The 17th overall draft selection from the 2023 NHL Entry Draft is playing in his second season in the SHL and is improving on his offensive totals.

Last year, he recorded 18 points in 39 games. This season, he has 26 points and counting in 43 games. Sandin-Pellikka has also improved on his 75 shots and 17:38 average ice time to 120 shots and 20:32 time on ice this season.

Combine this with his stellar play at the World Juniors, and there is no way that you can rationalize trading a player of this caliber.

Red Wings Connected To 3 Superstars

Red Wings Trade Targets: Trevor Zegras

Former Red Wings Defender Signs New Deal

Red Wings 2025 Trade Deadline Tracker

The Grand Rapids Griffins net is in great hands. Sebastian Cossa has played a huge role in the AHL organization's success this season.

Cossa is one of the best goaltenders in the AHL this season. He currently has a 16-10-5 record, a 2.38 goals against average (GAA), a .913 save percentage (SV%), and one shutout.

With his great numbers, combined with his 6-foot-7, 220-lb frame, Cossa is shaping up to be a great starting goaltender. However, he will have some competition for that role in a few years.

Finally, the Red Wings need to take a hard look if they ever consider trading Trey Augustine.

Augustine may be smaller than Cossa, but his work this season isn’t any less impressive. The 6-foot-1 and 183 lb netminder backstopped Team USA to a second straight World Junior Gold Medal.

He’s also been lights out in the NCAA. Augustine is in his second year with Michican State University. He currently has a 17-6-4 record to go with a 2.09 GAA, a .925 SV%, and two shutouts. 

Finding good offensive defenders and fantastic goaltenders is a tough job for an organization. The fact that the Red Wings have found multiple players to fill those roles is a big enough reason to keep those players around.

What do you think of these prospects? Which of these three prospects would you never entertain the thought of trading? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and vote in the poll on whom you would never trade.

Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites.